By June 30, 2022, VPS students will know that the superintendent and district leadership team have established processes to amplify student voice, creating opportunities for all learners to share their experiences using multiple methods (e.g., student advisory, ThoughtExchange, surveys).
The VPS school board shared that they wanted to include student perspective to better inform their leadership. The Superintendent Transition Team identified this as an opportunity to increase student input and feedback to inform all levels of our organization. The philosophy of engaging students is also prevalent in the newly adopted equity policy. For this goal, school board student representatives examined the current structure of the role. They reviewed different ways for including more student voice at the school board level and the students, with support from their advisor, developed a student advisory model. The Student Advisory began this spring and examined data from students about their experiences at schools. They presented their findings and guiding questions to the school board in May. A next step for next year is to continue the district level Student Advisory focusing on a guiding question such as “What can we do as a district to create a common goal or unifying experience for students that increases feelings of belonging?” Another next step will be to expand similar structures at the school level.
Our students (and their families) must feel included in the learning environment.
An inclusive learning environment improves our students’ outcomes/success.
Improved outcomes/success create feelings of ownership.
Ownership builds confidence.
Confidence helps prepare strong students and graduates/changemakers.
Student Advisory Committee development;
Student Advisory ByLaws;
Student Advisory structure established and first meetings occurred;
Student surveys; senior exit interviews; empathy interviews;
In Our Own Words